Transport programme could spell  the end of ‘two-speed’ Bristol

Industrial landlords SEGRO have predicted Bristol’s £100 million transportation windfall will enable businesses in the south of the city to close the gap on Bristol’s thriving northern fringe.

The surprise road and rapid transit package included in Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn statement will boost South Bristol’s road transport network speeding distribution times and giving struggling firms a much needed logistical boost.

The two-pronged plan which provides for a new rapid transport link from Ashton Vale to Temple Meads alongside a South Bristol link road running between Hengrove and Ashton Vale provides a welcome boost for businesses south of the river.

Chris Davies, leasing manager at SEGRO said: “These crucial transport links will help narrow the gap in this two-speed city and give South Bristol businesses the keys to a road network they have envied for years.

“South Bristol has always had good links to Bristol airport but not so good to the motorway network.”

SEGRO owns and operates industrial estates under the BristolWorks banner. Three of them, the Beeches in Yate, Emerald Park in Emersons Green and the Pucklechurch Trading Estate are situated on the busy north Bristol fringe within easy access of the M4 and M5.

The fourth,   South Liberty Lane in Ashton Vale, has been a popular choice for locally based businesses looking for room to expand and these new transport links could now attract inward investment from businesses looking to move to the city.

Chris Davies said: “The overwhelming logistical advantage offered by the transport network to the north of the city has attracted dozens of businesses but these exciting road schemes will speed distribution for firms south of the river.

 “The big advantage South Bristol offers is a ready made workforce on the doorstep.  If we get the road links right it could become the business location of choice.”

SEGRO offers more than one million sq ft of industrial space over the four Bristol estates and the success of the Bristolworks brand has assisted SEGRO and their agents in securing successful lettings.

 The   £100 million roads package means  the long-awaited south Bristol link road – on the drawing board for more than 30 years -  and the  bendy-bus scheme will both go ahead.

Estimated at £50 million, the first phase of the package will see a bendy bus link between Ashton Vale and Temple with work starting in June 2013. The second phase south Bristol link is expected to cost £45 million with work starting in 2014.

The government will have to approve a planning application before work goes ahead and a public inquiry is also likely.

In the meantime a public consultation will be held in March 2012 to look at the details of the schemes.

 ENDS

Issued on behalf of SEGRO by Empica. For more information please contact     Martin Powell or Simon Harding on 01275 394 400.